“When we lose a husband or a wife, we likely are parting with someone with whom we have lived for years, decades. There is a home filled with belongings that were theirs. A home filled with reminders of their lives and our connection with them. As it was heartbreaking to say goodbye to our partners, it is arduous to part with each reminder of them.
“After some initial straightening up of the house in the weeks following Karen’s death, I left things largely as they were. Every now and then I would put something away or discard an item that will never be used, but there was always a reluctance.
“Why? Why the hesitation? Every change, every single change, no matter how small it may seem symbolizes that I am further away from when I was with her. Having her things around brings the comfort of the reminder of when she was here. Perhaps it subconsciously creates the illusion that she will be returning.”
